Book Review Questionnaire- Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen

The new series is set in Vermont. True North is populated by the tough, outdoorsy mountain men that populate the Green Mountain State. They raise cows and they grow apples. They chop a lot of wood, especially when they need to blow off steam. (Beards are optional but encouraged.)

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the orchard.

The last person Griffin Shipley expects to find stuck in a ditch on his Vermont country road is his ex-hookup. Five years ago they’d shared a couple of steamy nights together. But that was a lifetime ago.

At twenty-seven, Griff is now the accidental patriarch of his family farm. Even his enormous shoulders feel the strain of supporting his mother, three siblings and a dotty grandfather. He doesn’t have time for the sorority girl who’s shown up expecting to buy his harvest at half price.

Vermont was never in Audrey Kidder’s travel plans. Neither was Griff Shipley. But she needs a second chance with the restaurant conglomerate employing her. Okay—a fifth chance. And no self-righteous lumbersexual farmer will stand in her way.

They’re adversaries. They want entirely different things from life. Too bad their sexual chemistry is as hot as Audrey’s top secret enchilada sauce, and then some.

This month’s pick for the Heroes’ and Heartbreakers book club was Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen. I just had to do this book since this author has been on my list for the longest time…..so here is what I thought of Bittersweet and why I will definitely keep on going with this wonderful and talented author.

Now that you’ve met Griff, we ask again: Farmer heroes—hot or not?

I would have to say HELL YES FARMERS!! I already knew that farmers could be sexy, but to be honest I think Sarina Bowen is at the top when it comes to writing those sexy farmers. And she writes them so well. I think what appealed me the most about Griff is his gruff and grumbly ways but seeing how devoted and protective he is of his family. And boy he has a temper, and he can be a grouch. But he is also has so many great qualities. I loved how smart and intelligent Griff could be and at times he can be pretty cunning. He values the “simple” things in life. He does have issues with trust at times, especially those upper crust business people who care more about greed than anyone else. What is pretty admirable about Griff is his instincts that pretty much most of the time are always on key. He definitely has been around a lot of women in his time, but he kinda goes bonkers when the right woman comes along. He is so “clueless” in how to handle her and its pretty fun to see him be so out of his element.

Did you highlight any quotes in the book? What were they?

Oh I have so many that I want to share…tell me what you think of these ones though.

I love you, princess. You’re the sweet that balances out my natural tannins.

“Where else do you need me? ” “Everywhere,” he growled “Want you in the cider house, tasting the blends with me. Want you sitting beside me in church, when I take Mom on Sundays. But after that I’ll need you in the shower…up against the wall…”

Griff and Audrey are definitely a case of opposites attract, with Audrey being the “sweet” to Griff’s “natural tannins.” Who did you gravitate more toward in the book, and why? Are you more of a Griff or an Audrey?

Griff and Audrey are completely different from each other in so many different ways, but in some other ways they have the similarities that truly matter in a relationship. I probaby gravitated towards both in mutliple ways. Griff of course has this gruff, grumpy personality that is protective of his family. I couldn’t get enough of seeing the ways he is willing to devote himself to seeing his family safe and their needs taken care of. Audrey, is driven and determined. I loved her heart, I could relate with her in different ways. She wants to succeed, and to do something that she loves and is really good at. Her boss is pretty horrid, and pushes her to do things she doesn’t always feel comfortable with. But what I like about Audrey is she finds other ways to satisfy them. Even though at times I felt she was a bit naive in how her bosses are, but she isn’t too naive either. Just when it comes to the people she works for. She is funny and creative and is need of family. She doesn’t have people to rely on, she is pretty much just on her own carving her own future even if its painful at times.

Does Bittersweet make you want to eat more apples? What did you find to be the most interesting part of cider-making?

We actually learn so much about cider making. To be honest I have only tried the non alcoholic kind of ciders, but I was really intrigued by the process of cider making and it was pretty obvious that the author did her research on that and boy do I love it when authors implement certain aspects in story that seem so life like. And yes I want to buy the top quality apples now especially if it comes from a farm in Vermont.

Sarina Bowen may not be able to choose a favorite Shipley, but we can! Who’s your favorite member of the family? Who do you most hope gets his/her own book?

oh boy that is REALLY hard, because the whole family is a hoot. If I had to pick it would be Jude (now he isn’t technically a member of the family but he practically becomes an adopted one) and Zach—who is yummy and funny!! But honestly, Jude was one of my favorite side characters. He has gone through so much you can just tell he has a past, and I want to see more of him because I loved what I saw in this book.

About Sarina Bowen

arina Bowen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She lives in Vermont's Green Mountains with her family, six chickens and too much ski gear and hockey equipment.

In 2016, Sarina became a Rita Award winner! The Romance Writers of America honored HIM by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy with Best Contemporary Romance, Mid-Length.